The centrepiece of the designs is a stunning depiction of The Celtic Manor Wales Open trophy with the dragon at its base brought to life by Vicari’s distinctive pencil strokes. The contrasting background in oils features one of the celebrated artist’s trademark enigmatic symbols, swirling out in dramatic yellows and reds.

The designs are already a familiar sight around South Wales on billboard advertisements promoting The Celtic Manor Wales Open, the leading European Tour event which takes place from May 31 to June 3. It will also feature on huge backdrop displays around the course during the tournament and on the programme cover.

Vicari said: “When I saw the trophy, the dragon caught my eye and formed the central focus for my design.

“With its tail entwined around the trophy, it is a protective dragon, rather than an aggressive one, but it makes for a striking image all the same.”

Vicari’s creation of the tournament identity launches a new association between the artist and Celtic Manor where he has accepted an invitation to house a permanent exhibition of his work in a gallery within the Resort Hotel. He will also produce a series of landscapes depicting the new Ryder Cup course which opens this summer and other paintings of the Resort.

Originally from Port Talbot and now living in Monaco, Vicari’s work has been sold and exhibited the world over but he is probably best known in the Middle East. His portraiture of some of the world’s most iconic figures includes sportsmen like Sir Alex Ferguson and Carwyn James, and the artist is happy to be involved with his first golfing project.

Vicari added: “I have always been fascinated by sport, and when sport patronises the arts, I think the junction of the two forms a very happy marriage.

“I don’t think the two come together as often as they should do but I’m excited about exploring the relationship between my art and the art of golf.

“My next project at Celtic Manor will be to produce a series of landscapes of the new course built for the Ryder Cup. What struck me when I first went to see the course was the unbelievable serenity of the place.

“You don’t need to play golf to enjoy the landscape. I describe Sir Terry Matthews (Chairman of The Celtic Manor Resort) as a modern-day ‘Capability Brown’ for creating such perfectly manicured grounds with the golf courses he has had built here.”

Jon Phelps, Tournament Director of The Celtic Manor Wales Open, said: “Every year we try to do something different with the design identity of the tournament.

“We are delighted that a Welsh artist of Andrew Vicari’s stature agreed to create this year’s look. His bold swirls and colours match the vibrancy and vitality of the event and encapsulate our invitation to spectators to come and see every masterstroke up close.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:

Previous winners of The Celtic Wales Open:

2006 Robert Karlsson   
2005 Miguel Angel Jiménez
2004 Simon Khan
2003 Ian Poulter
2002 Paul Lawrie
2000 Steen Tinning
2001 Paul McGinley

About The Celtic Manor Wales Open:
 
The Celtic Manor Wales Open was the first European Tour event to be staged in Wales for a decade when Steen Tinning won the inaugural event in 2000. Prize money has more than doubled in the seven years since with a roll of champions which includes Ryder Cup stars Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Ian Poulter and Miguel Angel Jimenez. The championship was held on the Wentwood Hills course from 2000-2004 before switching to The Celtic Manor Resort’s Roman Road course in 2005 as work commenced on the new Ryder Cup Course which will take over the staging of The Celtic Manor Wales Open from 2008. The Celtic Manor Wales Open strives to offer visitors more than just a golf tournament and sumptuous hospitality provision has been complemented by innovations such as Ladies Day and a family tented village complete with KidzZone.
For further information, visit www.walesopen.com
 
Media Enquiries:
Paul Williams
PR Manager
The Celtic Manor Resort

T:  01633 410288
M:  07920 058251